Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted*
Whatever you do.. DON'T put slime or any other puncture sealant in your tubes. Even though I used it in South America and credited my lack of punctures to it (mistake), It will guarantee that you will never be able to fix that puncture. I got a small puncture in a 'Slimed' tube and it didn't seal it at all. The coating can not be cleaned out and it will stop any patch from sticking to it even if you are sure you've cleaned it away from the area.
South America in December... Can't wait to see old friends again 
|
It's true, SLIME and like products make patching a tube hard (but not impossible).
If you're in a place where new tubes can be bought easily, then SLIME makes more sense. SLIME can stop small punctures or may turn a flat into a slow leak. But it does not always work. Ride-On is a better product.
But in Mongolia, probably NOT a good idea. Ted's right about patching: Hit and miss. Some tubes just can't seem to be patched ... or patch won't hold. The old school Vulcanized patch is a sure thing ... but bicycle patch kits are not.  especially if not natural rubber but are Butyl. (synthetic rubber)
As an aside, SLIME'd tubes can be patched if you wash away all the slime.
But how? Remove valve stem, add water to tube. Shake, Shake and Shake some more. Drain. Repeat.
Dry best you can. It works!! (but a major PITA!) On the trail we never patch a tube. Just replace with new tube and patch punctured tube later or have it done by a pro. (Vulcanize!!!) ... or often, toss it in the bin.
|